Attachment formation within adoptive families and post-adoption support

Abstract

This study aims to explore the experience of the adoptive families related to the attachment formation with the adopted child. Existing post-adoption services are explored. The study design is qualitative and triangulated the data from interviews with 11 adoptive parents, with a wide range of attachment relationship experience, from observation within a support group for adoptive parents, from interviews with specialists working in the statutory and private sector in the adoption field, and from social documents. Data analysis made use of the thematic analysis and storytelling. The key factors facilitating the attachment process are discussed and several recommendations for post-adoption services are made.